Asynchronous video communication integration system

ABSTRACT

Generally an asynchronous video communication integration system which includes a computer code served from by a server computer to a plurality of client computers to implement a common graphical user interface which by client user interaction allows reciprocal asynchronous video communication between a first client user and a second client user with a first video file through the final video file of an asynchronous video communication coupled as a combined video file which can be played back by the first and second client users, or a plurality of client users, as continuous synchronous video communication.

This United States Patent Application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/174,127, filed Feb. 6, 2014, herebyincorporated by reference herein.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a computer implemented group distance learning systemincluding one or more servers which serve a group distance learningcomputer code executable to provide a graphical user interface which byclient user interaction allows a plurality of client users to beallocated into a plurality of client user groups, each client user grouphaving access to a common graphical user interface to collaborate in theperformance of group assignments. Specifically, a group distancelearning computer code which implements a graphical user interfaceaccessed in common by a plurality of client users from remote locationsto facilitate collaborative group video production.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional computer-implemented systems for distance learning may notprovide computer elements, network elements, and a computer codeexecutable to implement a graphical user interface which allows aplurality of computer users at remote locations to be allocated into aplurality of user groups with each group member having access to acommon graphical user interface which by user interaction allows eachgroup member to collaborate in the performance of group assignments.

The instant invention addresses each of these concerns with respect tothe conventional technology.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of particular embodiments of the inventioncan be to provide computer elements, network elements, and a computercode executable to implement a graphical user interface for groupdistance learning which by click event allow a plurality of client usersto be allocated into a plurality of client user groups, each client usergroup having access to a common graphical user interface to collaboratein the performance of group assignments.

Another broad object of particular embodiments of the invention can beto provide a method in a computer system for collaborative production ofgroup assignments implemented by serving a computer code executable fordisplaying a graphical user interface on the graphical display surfaceof a plurality of computers for allocating a plurality of client usersinto a plurality of client user groups having access to a commongraphical user interface for collaborating in the performance of groupassignments.

Another broad object of particular embodiments of the invention can beto provide a computer code executable to display a graphical userinterface on a graphical display surface of a plurality of computerswhich by click event allocates a plurality of client users into aplurality of client user groups, each client user group having access toa common graphical user interface for collaborating in the performanceof group assignments.

Another broad object of particular embodiments of the invention can beto provide a user interface for depiction on a graphical display surfacewhich by click event allocates a plurality of client users into aplurality of client user groups, each client user group having access toa common graphical user interface for collaborating in the performanceof group assignments.

Another broad object of particular embodiments of the invention can beto provide a computer code which implements a graphical user interfacewhich allows each of a plurality of computer users at remote locationsto correspondingly submit a plurality of video files with the video fileidentifiers displayed in the graphical user interface for subsequentmovement into a pre-determined serial order for storage and subsequentserial order playback in a video image display area as a combined videoimage accessible by each of the plurality of computer users.

Another broad object of particular embodiments of the invention can beto provide a computer code which implements a graphical user interfacewhich concurrently displays a video image display area and a media imagedisplay area on the graphical display surface of a plurality of remotecomputers in a client user group by which client user interaction allowsserial order playback of a combined video image, as above described, inthe video image display area and by further client user interactionallows playback of the combined video image to be paused for retrievalof a media file to be corresponding displayed in the media image displayarea, and further allows each client user in the client user group tocouple a plurality of media images in synchronized timed relation to thecombined video image by which, upon subsequent retrieval of the combinedvideo file and presentation of the corresponding combined video image inthe video image display area, the media images can be display in themedia image display area in synchronized timed relation to the combinedvideo image to provide a combined video-media image.

Another broad object of particular embodiments of the invention can beto provide a computer code which implements a graphical user interfacewhich functions to concurrently display on the display surface of aplurality of computers associated with one or more client user groups avideo image display area, a media image display area and an annotationdisplay area which allows entry by the client users of one or moreclient user groups to enter one or more annotations into the annotationdisplay area in synchronized timed relation to the combined video-mediaimage presented in the corresponding video image display area and mediaimage display area.

Another broad object of particular embodiments of the invention can beto provide an asynchronous video communication integration system whichincludes a computer code served from by a server computer to a pluralityof client computers to implement a common graphical user interface whichby client user interaction allows reciprocal asynchronous videocommunication between a first client user and a second client user witha first video file through the final video file of an asynchronous videocommunication coupled as a combined video file which can be played backby the first and second client users (or a plurality of client users) ascontinuous synchronous video communication.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification and drawings.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a particular embodiment of an inventivecomputer-implemented group distance learning system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative computer means, networkmeans and computer readable medium which provides computer-executableinstructions to provide an embodiment of the inventivecomputer-implemented group distance learning system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface whichby click event allows a plurality of client users to be allocated intoone more client user groups.

FIG. 4 shows a particular embodiment of the graphical user interface ofFIG. 3 with a plurality of client users allocated into a plurality ofclient user groups.

FIG. 5 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfaceincluding an interactive group assignment area which by click eventdisplays a graphical user interface utilized by a client user group tocomplete an assignment activity.

FIG. 6 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface whichallows by click event selection of video files for display of thecorresponding video file identifiers in a video file identifier displayarea.

FIG. 7 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfaceincluding a drop-down list which allows by click event selection ofvideo files for display of the corresponding video file identifiers in avideo file identifier display area.

FIG. 8 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfaceincluding a video image capture area which by click event allows captureof an image along with associated audio.

FIG. 9 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfaceincluding a video image capture area shown in FIG. 8 capturing an imageand associated audio.

FIG. 10 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface ofFIG. 6 which further includes an annotation display area which by clickevent allows entry of one more annotations.

FIG. 11 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface ofFIG. 6 which by click event allows a plurality of video identifierscontained in the video file identifier display area to be moved intoserial order in a video file identifier serial order display area.

FIG. 12 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface ofFIG. 11 in which a plurality of video identifiers contained in the videofile identifier display area have been moved into serial order in avideo file identifier serial order display area.

FIG. 13 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfacewhich concurrently displays a video image display area adjacent to amedia image display area along with a media file selection element whichby click event allows selection of one of a plurality of media files fordisplay as a media image in the media image display area.

FIG. 14 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfaceincluding a drop-down list which allows by click event selection ofmedia files for display of the corresponding media image displayed inthe media image display area.

FIG. 15 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface ofFIG. 13 including a video image displayed in the video image displayarea and a media image displayed in the media image display area.

FIG. 16 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfacewhich concurrently displays a video image display area adjacent to amedia image display area along with an annotation display area and acombined video identifier display area.

FIG. 17 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfacewhich concurrently displays a combined video image in the video imagedisplay area and displays in synchronized timed relation a plurality ofmedia images in the adjacent media image display area along a pluralityof annotations which by click event are coupled in timed synchronizationwith display of the combined video image and display of the plurality ofmedia images in the media image display area.

FIG. 18 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface on adisplay surface of a first client computer which includes a videocapture area controllable by first client user interaction to capture animage and associated audio as a first video file.

FIG. 19 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface on adisplay surface of a second client computer which concurrently displaysa video image display area which allows play back of the first videofile as a first asynchronous video communication and a video capturearea controllable by second client user interaction to capture an imageand associated audio as a second video file in reply to the a firstasynchronous video communication.

FIG. 20 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interface onthe display surface of the first client computer which concurrentlydisplays a video image display area which allows play back of the secondvideo file as a second asynchronous video communication and a videocapture area controllable by first client user interaction to capture animage and associated audio as a third video file in reply to the secondasynchronous video communication.

FIG. 21A represents a plurality of asynchronous video communicationscomprising discrete reciprocal play back of a plurality of video filesbetween the first client user and the second client user.

FIG. 21B represents a synchronous video communication comprising acontinuous play back of a combined video file including the plurality ofvideo files generated in the asynchronous video communication betweenthe first client user and the second client user.

FIG. 22 shows a particular embodiment of a graphical user interfacewhich concurrently displays a video image display area which allows playback of the combined video file a synchronous video communication byclient user interaction and further includes an annotation display areawhich by client user interaction allows entry of one more annotations insynchronized time relation the synchronous video communication.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2 , which generally illustratecomputer elements, certain network elements, computer readable media,and a computer program which can be utilized to practice embodiments ofthe inventive collaborative group distance learning system (1). It isnot intended that embodiments of the invention be practiced in only widearea computing environments or only in local computing environments, butrather the invention can be practiced in local computing environments orin distributed computing environments where functions or tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in both a local or in a remote memory storagedevice(s) or device elements.

Also while particular embodiments of the invention are described in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions such as a computerprogram (9) (also referred to as a “computer code”) and modules whichutilize routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, or thelike, to perform particular functions or tasks or implement particularabstract data types, or the like, being executed by the computerelements and network elements, it is not intended that any embodimentsof the invention be limited to a particular set of computer-executableinstructions or protocols.

One or more client computers (2) (also referred to as “client computer”)can each be configured to connect with one or more server computers (3)(also referred to as a “server”) through one or more wide area networks(4) (also referred to as a “WAN”), such as the Internet, or one or morelocal area networks (5) (also referred to as a “LAN”) to transferdigital data (6). Digital data (6) for the purposes of this inventioncan be quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations areperformed by a computer, being stored and transmitted in the form ofelectrical signals and recorded on magnetic, optical, or mechanicalrecording media. The client computer (2) can, as to particularembodiments, take the form of a limited-capability computer designedspecifically for navigation of a WAN (4) such as the Internet. However,the invention is not so limited and the client computer (2) can be asnon-limiting examples: set-top boxes, intelligent televisions connectedto receive data through an entertainment medium such as a cabletelevision network or a digital satellite broadcast, hand-held devicessuch as smart phones, slate or pad computers, personal digitalassistants or camera/cell phones, or multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, networkpersonal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, or the like.

The client computer (2) can include an Internet browser (7) (alsoreferred to as a “browser”) such as Microsoft's INTERNET EXPLORER,GOOGLE CHROME, MOZILLA, FIREFOX, or the like, which functions todownload and render multimedia content that is formatted in “hypertextmarkup language” (HTML). In this environment, a first server computer(3A) might be programmed to implement the most significant portions of agraphical user interface (8) which can include one or a plurality ofscreen displays generated by execution of the computer program (9),whether in whole or in part. As to these embodiments, a computer program(9) which implements the graphical user interface (8) can be resident inthe first server computer (3A) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1 ) andthe one or more client computers (2) can use the browser (7) to displaydownloaded content and to relay user inputs (10) back to the firstserver computer (3A). The first server computer (3A) can respond byformatting new screen displays of the graphical user interface (8) anddownloading them for display on the client computer (2).

In other embodiments, the server computer (3) can be used primarily as asource of digital data (6), with primary responsibility for implementingthe graphical user interface (8) being placed upon one or more clientcomputers (2). As to these embodiments, each of the one or more clientcomputers (2) can run the appropriate portions of the computer program(9) implementing the graphical user interface (8).

An exemplary embodiment of the collaborative group video productionsystem (1) includes a first server computer (3A) which can be usedprimarily to store and serve the corresponding portions of the computerprogram (9) to the one or more client computers (2) with the primaryresponsibility for implementing the graphical user interface (8) beingplaced upon each of the one or more client computers (2). Each of theone or more client computers (2) execute or run the appropriate portionsof the computer program (9) to implement the graphical user interface(8). The second server computer (3B) can be used primarily to recordvideo images (11) (such as streaming video, progressive video, or thelike), convert the video images (11) to one or more corresponding videofiles (12) in the appropriate format (such as video file formats), andtransfer the files to a third server computer (3C). The third servercomputer (3C) can receive, store and retrieve a plurality of video files(12) and a plurality of media files (13).

Understandably, a lesser or greater number of server computers (3) canbe utilized to implement embodiments of the collaborative group distancelearning system (1) by serving requested portions of the computerprogram (9) to one or more server databases for retrievable storage ofvideo files (12), media files (13), and other digital data (6) in acommon format which can be requested, whether independently orconcurrently, by one or more client computers (2).

A client user (14) may enter commands and information into acorresponding one or more client computers (2) through input devices(15) such as a keyboard (16) or a pointing device (17) such as a mouse(18); however, any method or device that converts user action intocommands and information can be utilized including, but not limited to:a microphone, joystick, game pad, touch screen, or the like. Each clientcomputer (2) can further include a display surface (19) coupled to adisplay interface (20) (such as a video adapter). A graphical userinterface (8) can be displayed in whole or in part on the displaysurface (19) by execution of the computer program (9). In addition, eachclient computer (2) can further include peripheral input devices (21)such as image capture device (22), as illustrative examples: a camera, avideo camera, a web camera, a mobile phone camera, a video phone, or thelike; and an audio capture device (23), as illustrative examples: amicrophone, a speaker phone, a computer microphone, or the like. Theaudio capture device (23) can be provided separately from or integralwith the image capture device (22). The image capture device (22) andthe audio capture device (23) can be connected to the client computer(2) by an image capture interface (24) and an audio capture interface(25).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 , as an illustrative example, a clientcomputer (2) (encompassed by broken line) can include a processor (26),a memory element (27), and a bus (28) which operably couples componentsof the client computer (2), including communication between theprocessor (26) and the memory element (27). The processor (26) can beconfigured as one central-processing unit (CPU), or a plurality ofprocessors which operate in parallel to process digital data (6). Thebus (28) can be any of several types of bus configurations including amemory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. The memory element (27) canwithout limitation be a read only memory (ROM) (29) or a random accessmemory (RAM) (30), or both. A basic input/output system (BIOS) (31),containing routines that assist transfer of digital data (6) between thecomponents of the client computer (2), such as during start-up, can bestored in ROM (29). The client computer (2) can further include a harddisk drive (32) for reading from and writing to a hard disk (33), amagnetic disk drive (34) for reading from or writing to a removablemagnetic disk (35), and an optical disk drive (36) for reading from orwriting to a removable optical disk (37) such as a CD ROM or otheroptical media. The hard disk drive (32), magnetic disk drive (34), andoptical disk drive (36) can be connected to the bus (28) by a hard diskdrive interface (38), a magnetic disk drive interface (39), and anoptical disk drive interface (40), respectively. The drives and theirassociated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of thecomputer program (9), computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules and other digital data (6) for the client computer (2).It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any type ofcomputer-readable media that can store data that is accessible by acomputer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital videodisks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like, may be used in a variety of operatingenvironments. A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk(33), magnetic disk (35), optical disk (37), ROM (29), or RAM (30),including an operating system (41), one or a plurality of applicationprograms (42) and without limitation the computer program (9) (to theextent not stored in a server memory element (78) of a server computer(3)(3A)(3B)(3C)) which implements the graphical user interface (8), orother program interfaces.

A “click event” (also referred to as “user interaction”) occurs when aclient user (14) activates a function of the computer program (9)through the use of a command, for example, user interaction of pressingor releasing a left mouse button (43) while a pointer (44) is locatedover a control icon (45) (or other interactive field which activates afunction of the computer program (9)) displayed in a graphical userinterface (8). However, it is not intended that a “click event” be solimited, rather, a “click event” is intended to broadly encompass anyclient user (14) interaction or command by the client user (14) throughwhich a function of the computer program (9) (or other program,application, module or the like) can be activated or performed, whetherthrough selection of one or a plurality of control element(s) (45) orentry of data into fields, voice command, keyboard stroke, mouse button,or otherwise. It is further intended that the control icon (45) can beconfigured or displayed in any form which by client user (14)interaction can activate a function of the computer program (9)including, as illustrative examples: a bullet, a point, a circle, atriangle, a square, a polygon (or other geometric configurations orcombinations or permutations thereof), file identifiers, or as fields orboundary elements, or as fields in which addresses such as a streetaddress, zip code, county code, or natural area code, or inputting alatitude/longitude or projected coordinate X and Y, annotations, orother notation, script or character, or the like, can be enteredmanually or by operation of the computer program (9), or a portion orelement thereof.

The one or more client computers (2) can operate in a networkedenvironment using one or more logical connections (46) to transferdigital data (6) between the client computer (2) and one or more servercomputers (3)(3A)(3B)(3C). These logical connections (46) are achievedby one or more communications devices (47) coupled to or as a part ofthe client computer (2); however, the invention is not limited to aparticular type of communications device (47). The logical connections(46) depicted in FIG. 2 can include a LAN (5) or

WAN (4). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices,enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, wireless networks, globalsatellite networks, cellular phone networks and the Internet.

When used in a LAN-networking environment, the client computer (2) canbe connected to the LAN (5) through a network interface (48), which isone type of communications device (47). When used in a WAN-networkingenvironment, the client computer (2) typically, but not necessarily,includes a modem (49), a type of communications device (47), or anyother type of communications device for establishing communications overthe WAN (4). The modem (49), which may be internal or external, can beconnected to the bus (28) via a serial port interface (50). In anetworked environment, modules or elements of the computer program (9)depicted relative to the client computer (2), or portions thereof, maybe stored in one or more server computers (3)(3A)(3B)(3C), as abovedescribed. It is appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other computer elements and communications devices forestablishing a communications link between the client computer (2) and aserver computer (3) can be used.

Now referring again primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the client computer (2)can encompass one client computer (2) or can encompass a plurality ofclient computers (2) each of which can be operated by a client user (14)which can be one person or a plurality of persons whether individually,serially or as a group. The client user (14) can access the computerprogram (9) through use of a computer program access element includingthe portion that implements the graphical user interface (8) to retrievevideo files (12), media files (13) and other digital data (6) from theone or more server computers (3)(3A)(3B)(3C) in a common format fordisplay in the graphical user interface (8) on the display surface (19)of the client computer (2).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3 , the server computer (3) can servethe computer program (9) including a group creation module (51) (asshown in the example of FIG. 2 ) executable to display a graphical userinterface (8) on the display surface (19) of one or a plurality ofclient computers (2) to facilitate allocation of a plurality of clientusers (14) into one or a plurality of client user groups (52). In part,the graphical user interface (8) includes a group creation area (53)having a group creation identifier field (54) in which a groupidentifier (55) (for example “Group A”) can be entered by userinteraction. A group identifier creation element (56) (for example,“Add”) can by click event execute a portion of the group creation module(51) to display a group area (57) associated with the group identifier(55) prior entered into the group creation identifier field (54) (forexample, the group areas (57) associated with the identifiers “Group A”and “Group B”). Similarly, a group identifier removal icon (58) (forexample, “Cancel”) can by click event execute a portion of the groupcreation module (51) to remove a group area (57) associated with a groupidentifier (55) prior entered into the group creation identifier field(54). The group creation module (51) can further be executed to displaya client user identifier area (59) which can contain a plurality ofclient user identifiers (60) representing a plurality of client users(14) to be allocated to one or between a plurality of client user groups(52).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 3 , as to particular embodiments, thecomputer program (9) can further include a client user identifierselection module (61) (as shown in the example of FIG. 2 ) which canfunction by click event on a client user element (62) (for example“Client Users” as shown in FIG. 3 ) to display a client user list (orsimilar feature which displays a plurality of client user identifiers(60) which by click event can be selected to be displayed in a clientuser identifier area (59).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the computer program (9) canfurther include a client user identifier allocation module (63) (asshown in FIG. 2 ) which functions to display a client user identifierallocator icon (64) which by click event allows movement of one or moreclient user identifiers (60) from the client user identifier area (59)into one of the plurality of group areas (57) displayed on the displaysurface (19). As to particular embodiments, the client user identifierallocator icon (64) can include a pointer (44) which by click event candiscretely drag and drop each of the plurality of client useridentifiers (60) from the client user identifier area (59) into one ofthe plurality of group areas (57).

The computer program (9) can be further executed to operate a clientuser identifier coupling module (65) (as shown for example in FIG. 2 )which couples the plurality of client user identifiers (60) in a grouparea (57) to a group address (66) containing the plurality of clientuser addresses (67) associated with the client user identifiers (60).Thereafter, each of the plurality of client users (14) in a client usergroup (52) collaborate through use of a common graphical user interface(8) discrete from the graphical user interface (8) in use by any clientuser group (52).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5 , the computer program (9) can furtherinclude an assignment module (69) executed by click event of anassignment icon (70) (as shown in the example of FIG. 4 ) whichfunctions to display a group assignment area (71) on the display surface(19). The group assignment area (71) can include one or more assignmentfields (72) each including an assignment activity (73). Each assignmentactivity (73) can further include an assignment activity access icon(74) which by click event displays the graphical user interface (8)utilized by the client user group (52) to complete the assignmentactivity (73). As to particular embodiments, the assignment activity(73) can include (whether in whole or in part) collaborative group videoproduction or an asynchronous video communication (128), as furtherdescribed below.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 6 through 10 , by click event ofthe assignment activity access icon (74) a collaborative group videoproduction module (75) functions to display in common a graphical userinterface (8) on the display surface (19) of each one of the pluralityof client computers (2) associated with a client user (14) in a clientuser group (52) to facilitate collaborative group video production. Thegraphical user interface (8) can include a video file selector icon (76)(for example a “Select” button as shown in the example of FIG. 6 ) whichby a click event causes display of a plurality of video file identifiers(77) (shown as a drop down list in the example of FIG. 7 ) coupled to acorresponding plurality of video files (12) stored in a server memoryelement (78) or client computer memory element (27) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 1 ). The client user (14) can by click event select oneor more of the video file identifiers (77) to correspondingly displaythe video file identifier (77) in a video file identifier display area(86) (as shown in the example of FIG. 6 ).

The collaborative group video production module (75) can furtherfunction to display a video image capture icon (79) (for example a“Record Video” button as shown in FIG. 6 ) which by click event causesdisplay of a video image capture area (80) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 8 ) including a video image capture controller (81) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 8 ). The video image capture controller (81) caninclude a video image capture device selector (82) which by click eventallows selection of a video image capture device (22) which captures nvideo image (11) for display in the video image capture area (80). Thevideo image capture device (22) can be selected from a plurality ofvideo image capture devices (22) capable of capturing an image (11), forexample: a camera, a video camera, a web camera, a mobile phone camera,a video phone, or the like. The video image capture controller (81) canfurther include an audio capture device selector (83) which by clickevent selects an audio capture device (23) which captures audio (84)associated with the video image (11) displayed in the video imagecapture area (80). The audio capture device (23) can be selected from aplurality of audio capture devices (23) capable of capturing audio (84),for example: a microphone, a speaker phone, a computer microphone, orthe like. As shown in the example of FIG. 8 , the audio capture device(23) can be separate from or built into the video image capture device(22). Accordingly, selection of the image capture device (22) cancorrespondingly select the built-in audio capture device (23).

The collaborative group video production module (75) can furtherfunction to display a image-audio capture control icon (85) (forexample, the “Allow” button shown in FIG. 8 ) which by click eventinitiates capture of the image (11) associated with the audio (84) (asshown in the example of FIG. 9 ) and conversion of the video image (11)and associated audio (84) content into a video file (12). The graphicaluser interface (8) can further include a submission control element (68)(for example, the “Close” button shown in FIG. 9 ) which by click eventstores the video file (12) in the server memory element (78) as one of aplurality of video files (12) each having a corresponding one of aplurality of video file identifiers (77) which can be selected as abovedescribed for inclusion in the video file identifier display area (86)(as shown in the example of FIG. 10 ).

The collaborative group video production module (75) can be furtherexecuted to concurrently display a video image display area (88), avideo file identifier display area (86) and an annotation display area(87) on the display surface (19). The annotation display area (87) canfurther include an annotation field (89) which by click event allowsentry of one more annotations (90) into the annotation field (89). Theannotation display area (87) can further include an annotation entryicon (91) (shown for example as a “Send” button in the examples of FIGS.6 and 10 ) which by click event displays the one or more annotations(90) in the annotation display area (87) on the display surface (19) ofall the client computers (2) associated with the group address (66) (asshown in the example of FIG. 10 ).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 11 and 12 , embodiments of the computerprogram (9) can include a video file identifier serial order module (92)which functions to concurrently display the video file identifierdisplay area (86) and a video file identifier serial order display area(93) on the display surface (19) of the plurality of client computers(2) associated with a group address (66) along with a video fileidentifier serial order icon (94) (as shown in the example of FIG. 11 ).The video file identifier serial order icon (94) can by click event moveone or more video file identifiers (77) from the video file identifierdisplay area (86) into a serial order (96A) in the video file identifierserial order display area (93) (as shown in the example of FIG. 12 ). Asone example, the video file identifier serial order icon (94) can be apointer (44) which by click event drags and drops each of the one ormore video file identifiers (77) from the video file identifier displayarea (86) into the serial order (96A) in the video file identifierserial order display area (93). Similarly, the video file identifierserial order element (94) can by click event move one or more video fileidentifiers (77) from the video file identifier serial order displayarea (93) back to the video file identifier display area (86). The videofile identifier serial order icon (94) can by click event be furtherused to move the video file identifiers (77) in a video file identifierserial order display area (93) into any desired serial order (96A). Inthe example of FIG. 12 , the serial order (96A) of the plurality ofvideo file identifiers (77) in the video file identifier serial orderdisplay area (93) can be established by positioning the plurality ofvideo file identifiers (77) in consecutive vertical order from the topto the bottom of the video file identifier serial order display area(93); however, the invention is not so limited, and embodiments of avideo file identifier serial order module (92) which functions to allowplacement of the plurality of video file identifiers (77) in the videofile identifier serial order display area (93) in a pre-determinedserial order (96A) corresponding to a pre-determined serial play order(96B) is encompassed by the invention (for example the video fileidentifiers (77) can be serial ordered left to right in a row).

Embodiments of the computer program (9) can further include a video filecoupling module (95) which couples the plurality of video files (12)stored in the server memory element (78) in a serial play order (96B)corresponding to the serial order (96A) of the plurality of video fileidentifiers (77) in the video file identifier serial order display area(93) as a combined video file (97) associated with the client user group(52). The combined video file (97) can be can be played back as acombined video image (98) which includes a continuous playback of theplurality of video files (12) corresponding to the serial order (96A) ofthe plurality of video file identifiers (77) in the video fileidentifier serial order display area (93). The combined video file (97)also includes the audio files (99) associated with the combined videofile (97). As to particular embodiments, a video file coupling module(95) can be activated by click event of a combined video save icon (100)(for example the “Save” button shown in the example of FIGS. 11 and 12).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13 , as to particular embodiments, thecomputer program (9) can further include a combined video playbackmodule (102) activated by click event of the combined video save icon(100) which functions to concurrently display a video image display area(88), typically, but not necessarily, adjacent to a media image displayarea (101) on the display surface (19) of the plurality of clientcomputers (2) of a client user group (52) and to retrieve and playbackonly the combined video file (97) and audio file (99) associated withthe client computers (2) of the client user group (52). The computerprogram (9) can further include a media image control module (105) (asshown in the example of FIG. 2 ) which functions to display a media fileselection icon (103) which by click event pauses playback of thecombined video image (98) in the image display area (88) and allows byclick event selection of one or a plurality of media files (13) storedin the server memory element (78) of the server computer (3) for displayas a media image (104) in the media image display area (101) on thedisplay surface (19).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 14 and 15 , particular embodiments themedia image control module (105) can function to display a media fileselection icon (103) (for example the “Add Slide” button shown in theexample of FIG. 13 ) which by click event pauses playback of thecombined video image (98) and displays a plurality of media fileidentifiers (106) corresponding to the plurality of media files (13)stored in the server memory element (78). A media file identifier (106)can by click event be selected to display the corresponding media image(104) in the media image display area (101) and initiate continuedplayback of the combined video image (98) in the video image displayarea (88) (as shown in the example of FIG. 15 ). The media image controlmodule (105) can further function to display a rewind icon (107) whichby click event allows re-presentation of a portion of the combined videoimage (98) (for example the “Back” button shown in the example of FIG.13 ). The media image control module (105) can further function todisplay a remove media image icon (108) (for example the “Remove Slide”button shown in the example of FIG. 13 ) which by click event pausesplayback of the combined video image (98) and removes the media image(104) displayed in the media image display area (101). As to particularembodiments of the media image control module (105), each client user(14) in a client user group (52) can by click event discrete from anyother client user (14) in the client user group (52) add or remove oneor more of the plurality of media images (104) in association with thesame combined video file (97) and combined video image (98).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 15 , the media image control module(105) can further function to display a media image synchronizer icon(109) (for example the “Save” button shown in the example of FIG. 15 )which by click event activates the functions of a media imagesynchronizer module (111) which functions to couple presentation of themedia image (104) displayed in the media image display area (101) insynchronized timed relation to presentation of the combined video image(98) in the video image display area (88). A client user (14) within theclient user group (52) can by click event activate the media imagesynchronizer module (111) one or a plurality of times duringpresentation of the combined video image (98) in the video image displayarea (88) to correspondingly display a plurality of media images (104)in the media image display area (101) each thereby coupled insynchronized timed relation to the combined video image (98) byoperation of the media image synchronizer module (111). The term“synchronized time relation” means for the purpose of this inventionthat the presentation of the media image (104) (or serial presentationof a plurality of media images (104)) in the media image display area(101) is coordinated in timed relation to the playback of the combinedvideo image (98) in the video image display area (88), and in eachsubsequent playback of the combined video image (98) in the video imagedisplay area (88). The one or more media images (104) can each be timestamped based upon the pause time of the combined video image (98) inthe video image display area (88) such that upon subsequent retrieval ofthe combined video file (97), the media files (13) can be retrievedcorresponding to the time stamp such that presentation of the combinedvideo image (98) in the video image display area (88) can be accompaniedby presentation of the one or more media images (104) in the media imagedisplay area (101) in synchronized timed relation as originallydetermined by the client user (14) within the client user group (52).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 15 , embodiments of the media imagecontrol module (105) can further function to display a combinedvideo-media synchronizer icon (110) (for example the “Finalize” buttonas shown in FIG. 15 ) which by click event by a client user (14) withinthe client user group (52) functions to save in the server memoryelement (78) the combined video file (97) synchronized in timed relationto the plurality of media files (13) added by each client user (14)within the client user group (52).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 16 through 17 , the computer program(9) can further include a combined video-media module (119) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 2 ) activated by click event of the combinedvideo-media synchronizer icon (110) which functions to concurrentlydisplay on the display surface (19) of the client computers (2)associated with one or more of the client user groups (52) (and as toparticular embodiments one or more administrator computers (112) orinstructor computers (113)), the video image display area (88), themedia image display area (101), the annotation display area (87) and acombined video identifier display area (114) in which a plurality ofcombined video identifiers (115) can be displayed corresponding to aplurality of combined video files (97) stored in the server memoryelement (78) of the server computer (3) (as shown in the example of FIG.16 ). The combined video-media module (111) can be further executed byclick event with one of the plurality of combined video identifiers(115) to retrieve the corresponding combined video file (97) and playback the combined video image (98) in the video image display area (88)and retrieve the media files (13) corresponding to the time stamp suchthat presentation of the combined video image (98) in the video imagedisplay area (88) can be accompanied by presentation of the one or moremedia images (104) in the media image display area (101) in synchronizedtimed relation as originally determined by the client users (14) withincorresponding client user group (52). The combined video-media module(119) can further function to display an annotation control icon (118)which by click event pauses the combined video image (98) (for examplethe “Add Comment” button shown in FIG. 17 ) which allows entry by aclient user (14) (an administrator user (116) or an instructor user(117)) of one more annotations (90) into the annotation field (89). Theannotation entry icon (91) (shown for example as a “Send” button in theexamples of FIG. 17 ) which by user interaction displays the one or moreannotations (90) in the annotation display area (87) on the displaysurface (19) of all the client computers (2) associated with the groupaddress (66) (as shown in the example of FIG. 10 ).

Now referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 21 , a particular embodimentof the collaborative group distance learning system (1) can alone or incombination with other embodiments above described include the elementsof an asynchronous video communication integration system (120). Nowreferring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the asynchronous videocommunication integration system (120) can include one or more servercomputers (3) each having server memory element (78). A server processor(121) in communication with a server memory element (78) can serve inwhole or in part the computer program (9)(also referred to herein as thecomputer code) executable to display the graphical user interface (8) onthe display surface (19) of one or a plurality of client computers (2),as above described. Now referring primarily to FIG. 3 , as to particularembodiments, a client user identification module (122) can function toassociate one each of a plurality of client user identifiers (60) with acorresponding one each of a plurality of client users (14). The computerprogram (9) can further include a client user identifier selectionmodule (61) (as shown in the example of FIG. 2 ) which can function byclick event on a client user element (62) (for example “Client Users” asshown in FIG. 3 ) to display a client user list (or similar featurewhich displays a plurality of client user identifiers (60) which byclick event can be selected to be displayed in a client user identifierarea (59). A client user identifier allocation module (63) (as shown inFIG. 2 ) can function to display a client user identifier allocator icon(64) which by click event allows movement of one or more client useridentifiers (60) from the client user identifier area (59) into one ofthe plurality of group areas (57) displayed on the display surface (19)to create one or more client user groups (52).

As to particular embodiments, the client user identifier allocator icon(64) can include a pointer (44) which by click event can discretely dragand drop each of the plurality of client user identifiers (60) from theclient user identifier area (59) into one of the plurality of groupareas (57) to create one or more client user groups (52). In theasynchronous video communication integration system (120), the clientuser identifier allocator icon (64) can be utilized to pair a firstclient user identifier (123) associated with a first client user (124)with a second client user identifier (125) associated with a secondclient user (126) in one or more group areas (57). As to particularembodiments, a pairing module (127) can function to associate one eachof the plurality of client user identifiers (60) with a correspondingone each of a plurality of client users (14) and subsequently pair afirst client user identifier (123) associated with a first client user(124) with a second client user identifier (125) associated with asecond client user (126) to create paired first and second client users(124)(126).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 5 and 18 , by click event of theassignment activity access icon (74), which includes in part or in wholean asynchronous video communication (128) between the paired first andsecond client user (124)(126), an asynchronous video communicationintegration module (129) can function to display a graphical userinterface (8) having common format on the display surface (19) of eachone of a first client computer (130) associated with the first clientuser identifier (123) of the first client user (124) and the secondclient computer (131) associated with the second client user identifier(125) of the second client user (126) to facilitate asynchronous videocommunication (128) between the paired first and second client users(124)(126). The asynchronous video communication integration module(129) can further function to display the graphical user interface (8)on a display surface (19) of a first client computer (130) associatedwith said first client user identifier (123), the graphical userinterface (8) including the video image capture area (80) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 8 and above described). The video image capturedevice selector (82) in the graphical user interface (8) displayed onthe display surface (19) of said first client computer (130) can byfirst client user interaction allow selection of a first, image capturedevice (132). The audio capture device selector (82) in the graphicaluser interface (8) displayed on said display surface (19) of the firstclient computer (130) can by first client user interaction allowselection of a first audio capture device (133). The asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) can further function to displaythe image-audio capture control icon (85) (for example, the “Allow”button as shown in FIG. 8 ) which by click event initiates capture ofthe image (11) associated with the audio (84) of the first client user(124)(as shown in the example of FIG. 9 or 18 ) and conversion of thevideo image (11) and associated audio (84) content into a first videofile (134). The graphical user interface (8) can further include asubmission control element (68) (for example, the “Close” button shownin FIG. 9 ) which by click event stores the first video file (134) inthe server memory element (78) as a first asynchronous videocommunication (135) between the first client user (124) and the secondclient user (126).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 19 , the asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) can subsequently function toconcurrently display the video image display area (88) and the videoimage capture area (80) in the graphical user interface (8) on thedisplay surface (19) of the second client computer (131). The imagecapture device selector (82) can be displayed in the graphical userinterface (8) on the display surface (19) of the second client computer(131) which by second client user interaction allows selection of asecond image capture device (136). The audio capture device selector(83) can be displayed in the graphical user interface (8) on the displaysurface (19) of the second client computer (126) which by second clientuser interaction allows selection of a second audio capture device(137). The asynchronous video communication integration module (129) canfurther function to display the image-audio capture control icon (85)(for example, the “Allow” button shown in FIG. 8 ) which by click eventfirst initiates retrieval and playback of the first video file (134) inthe video image display area (88) in the graphical user interface (8) onthe display surface (19) of the second client computer (131). Theoccurrence of the playback of the first video file (134) can becoincident or separated by a time duration from the storage of the firstvideo file (134) in the server memory element (78), but in either eventremains a discrete video file. The playback of the first video file(134) becomes the first asynchronous video communication (135) to whichthe second client user (126) responds. The asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) subsequently operates to captureof the image (11) associated with the audio (84) of the second clientuser (126) responding to the first asynchronous video communication(135) (as shown in the example of FIG. 19 ) and conversion of the videoimage (11) and associated audio (84) content into a second video file(138). The graphical user interface (8) can further include a submissioncontrol element (68) (for example, the “Close” button shown in FIG. 9 )which by click event stores the second video file (138) in the servermemory element (78) of the server computer (3). The first and secondvideo files (134)(138) can be stored as discrete video files.

As to particular embodiments, the asynchronous video communicationintegration module (129) can further include a timer module (149) whichcan be adjusted to set a fixed amount of image capture time (150)between an image capture start point (151) at which the first clientuser (124) or the second client user (124) initiates capture of theimage (11) associated with the audio (84) and an image capture end point(152) which terminates capture of the image (11) associated with theaudio (84).

The timer module (149) can further function on the playback of the firstvideo file (134) or the second video file (138)(and subsequent videofiles) on the display surface of the first client computer (130) orsecond client computer (131), as above described, to identify occurrenceof a video file play back end point (153). The timer module (149) can beadjusted to set a fixed amount of response time (154) between the videofile playback end point (153) and the subsequent image capture startpoint (151).

As to particular embodiments, the fixed amount of capture time (150) andthe fixed amount of response time (154) can be pre-selected as part ofthe assignment activity (73). The fixed amount of capture time (150) orthe fixed amount of response time (154) can be adjusted to besubstantially equal for both the first client user (130) and the secondclient user (131), or unequal between the first client user (130) andthe second client user (131). Additionally, the fixed amount of capturetime (150) can be adjusted to be substantially equal or unequal betweenthe first video file (134), the second video file (138) and subsequentvideo files, and the fixed amount of response time (154) can besubstantially equal or unequal between the video file play back endpoint (153) and the image capture start point (151) between the firstvideo file (134), the second video file (138) and subsequent videofiles. By incorporating the fixed amount of image capture time (150) andthe fixed amount of response time (154) into the assignment activity(73), the first client user (130) and the second client user (131) canbe required to participate in an asynchronous video communication (128)which can mimic an in person synchronous communication. \

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 , the asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) can further function toconcurrently display the video image display area (88) and the videoimage capture area (80) in the graphical user interface (8) on thedisplay surface (19) of the first client computer (130). The imagecapture device selector (82) can be displayed in the graphical userinterface (8) on the display surface (19) of the first client computer(130) which by first client user interaction allows selection of thefirst image capture device (132). The audio capture device selector (83)can be displayed in the graphical user interface (8) on the displaysurface (19) of the first client computer (131) which by first clientuser interaction allows selection of the first audio capture device(133). The asynchronous video communication integration module (129) canfurther function to display the image-audio capture control icon (85)(for example, the “Allow” button shown in FIG. 8 ) which by click eventfirst initiates retrieval and playback of the second video file (138) inthe video image display area (88) in the graphical user interface (8) onthe display surface (19) of the first client computer (131). Theoccurrence of the playback of the second video file (138) can becoincident or separated by a time duration from storage of the secondvideo file (138) in the server memory element (78), but in either eventremains a discrete video file. The playback of the second video file(138) becomes the second asynchronous video communication (139) to whichthe first client user (124) responds. Secondly, the asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) operates to capture the image(11) associated with the audio (84) of the first client user (124) (asshown in the example of FIG. 20 ) and conversion of the video image (11)and associated audio (84) content into a third video file (140). Thegraphical user interface (8) can further include a submission controlelement (68) (for example, the “Close” button shown in FIG. 9 ) which byclick event stores the third video file (140) in the server memoryelement (78). Playback of the third video file (140) in the video imagedisplay area (88) in the graphical user interface (8) on the displaysurface (19) of the second client computer (131) becomes a thirdasynchronous communication (141) between the first client user (124) andthe second client user (126).

The first and second client user (124)(126) can reciprocallyasynchronously respond to play back of a series of video files, as abovedescribed, to generate an asynchronous video communication (128). Theasynchronous video communication (128) can, but does not necessarilyinclude, a fixed number of video files, a fixed time duration of any oneof the video files, or a fixed time duration between asynchronous videocommunications). Generation of a final video file (142) terminates theasynchronous video communication (128).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 2, 21A and 21B, the asynchronousvideo communication integration system (120) can further include a videofile serial order assembly module (143) which functions upon storage ofthe second video file (138) or other final video file (142) in anasynchronous video communication (128) between the first client user(124) and the second client user (126) to serially order in ascendingsynchronous timed relation (most distant in time first and most recentin time last) the first video file (134) stored as the firstasynchronous video communication (135) and the second video file(138)(or final video file (142)) stored as the second asynchronouscommunication (139) (or final asynchronous communication (144)). Thevideo file serial order assembly module (143) can further function tocouple the first video file (134) through the final video file (142)generated in the asynchronous video communication (128) of the first andsecond client user (124)(126) in ascending synchronous timed relation toproduce a combined video file (97). The combined video file (97) can bestored in the server memory element (78) of the server computer (3) in aform which can be retrieved and played back in the video image displayarea (88) of the graphical user interface (8) displayed on the displaysurface (19) of each one of the first or second client computer(130)(131) as one combined video image (8) of an integrated synchronouscommunication (148) (plays back as a continuous communication) betweenthe first client user (124) and the second client user (126).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 22 , the asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) can further function to displaythe graphical user interface (8) on a display surface (19) of the firstclient computer (130) associated with the first client user identifier(123) or the second client computer (131) associated with the secondclient identifier (125) including the video image display area (88). Thefirst client user (124) or the second client user (126) can retrieve andplayback the combined video file (97) in the video image display area(88) in the graphical user interface (8) on said display surface (19) ofthe first client computer (130) associated with said first client useridentifier (123) or the second client computer (131) associated withsaid second client identifier (125) as a synchronous video communication(144). As to particular embodiments, the asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) can further function to displaythe graphical user interface (8) on a display surface of a third clientcomputer (145) associated with a third client user identifier (146) of athird client user (147) within the client user group (52). Theasynchronous video communication integration module (129) can furtherfunction to display the video image display area (88) in the graphicaluser interface (8) on the display surface (19) of the third clientcomputer (145) associated with the third client user identifier (145)and playback the combined video image (98) in the video image displayarea (88) displayed in the graphical user interface (8) on the displaysurface (19) of the third client computer (145) associated with thethird client user identifier (146).

Again referring to primarily to FIG. 22 , the asynchronous videocommunication integration module (129) can further function toconcurrently display the video image display area (88) and theannotation display area (87), above described, on the display surface(19) of the plurality of computers (2) associated with the plurality ofclient user identifiers (60) of the client user group (52). Theasynchronous video communication integration module (129) can furtherfunction to display an annotation control icon (118) along with anannotation field (89). By client user interaction with the annotationcontrol icon (188), as above described, play back of the combined videoimage (98) as a synchronous video communication (148) of the firstclient user (124) and the second client user (126) can be paused in thevideo image display area (88), which by client user interaction, allowsentry of one more annotations (90) into the annotation field (89). Theasynchronous video communication integration module (129) can furtherfunction to synchronize the one or more annotations (90) entered intothe annotation field (89) in the annotation display area (87) in timedrelation to display of said combined video image (98) in the video imagedisplay area (88) at the pause time of the combined video image (98), asabove described. The asynchronous video communication integration module(129) can further function to store the one or more annotations (90) inthe annotation display area (87) in the server memory element (78) ofthe server computer (3) each coupled at the corresponding pause time ofthe combined video image (98) as above described.

Now referring to FIG. 22 , the asynchronous video communicationintegration module (129) can further function in response to client userinteraction in the graphical user interface (8) to retrieve and playback the combined video image (98) in the video image display area (88)in the graphical user interface (8) displayed on the display surface(19) of one or more of the plurality of computers (2) associated withsaid plurality of client user identifiers (60) of the client user group(52), and display the annotations (90) in the concurrently displayedannotation display area (87) in synchronized timed relation to displayof the combined video image (98) in the video image display area (88).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an interactiveoral presentation display system and methods making and using aninteractive display for oral presentation.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of “a user interface”should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “using aninterface”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, werethere effectively disclosure of the act of “using an interface”, such adisclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of “a userinterface” and even a “means for using an interface.” Such alternativeterms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitlyincluded in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment.

Thus the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) aninteractive oral presentation display system as herein disclosed anddescribed, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii)similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of thesedevices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplisheach of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) thosealternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functionsshown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed anddescribed, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate andindependent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the varioussystems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products producedby such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantiallyas described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanyingexamples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of theprevious elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this patent specification are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The claims set forth inthis specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metesand bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of theinvention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of theinvention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that maybe claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop furtherclaims based upon the description set forth above as a part of anycontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

I claim:
 1. A computer system, comprising: a memory element of a servercomputer; a processor in communication with said memory element, saidmemory element including a computer code executable to: depict a groupcreation area on a display surface of a first client computer which byuser interaction group identifiers can be entered into said groupcreation area; concurrently depict a plurality of client user groupareas on said display surface each identified by one of said groupidentifiers entered into said group creation area; depict a client useridentifier area separate from said plurality of client user group areasdepicted on said display surface, said client user identifier area onlyincluding a plurality of client user identifiers not associated with anyone of said plurality of client user group areas, said plurality ofclient user identifiers correspondingly associated with a plurality ofclient users; move each of said plurality of client user identifiersfrom said client user identifier area to one of said plurality of clientuser group areas concurrently depicted on said display surface toassociate each of said plurality of client user identifiers within saidclient user group area with one of a plurality of client user groupsconcurrently depicted on said display surface, wherein movement of eachof said plurality of client user identifiers from said client useridentification area removes each of said plurality of client useridentifiers from said client user identifier area, wherein saidplurality of client users within a client user group having access to agraphical user interface concurrently depicting a video image capturearea and video image display area; pair a first client user identifierassociated with a first client user with a second client user identifierassociated with a second client user, said first and second client userswithin a client user group having access to said graphical userinterface; display said graphical user interface on a display surface ofa first client computer associated with said first client useridentifier, said graphical user interface concurrently depicts saidvideo image display area and said video image capture area; display avideo image capture device selector in said graphical user interfacedisplayed on said display surface of said first client computer which byfirst client user interaction allows selection of a first image capturedevice; display an audio capture device selector in said graphical userinterface displayed on said display surface of said first clientcomputer which by first client user interaction allows selection of afirst audio capture device; operate said first image capture device andsaid first audio capture device to capture a live stream of a firstvideo and associated audio content of said first client user over afirst predetermined period of time, said live stream displayed in saidvideo image capture area in said graphical user interface displayed onsaid display surface of said first client computer; convert said livestream of said first video and associated audio content into a firstvideo file; and store said first video file in said server computer as afirst asynchronous communication between said first client user and saidsecond client user.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein said acomputer code is further executable to: concurrently display said videoimage display area and said video image capture area in said graphicaluser interface on said display surface of said second client computer;display said video image capture device selector in said graphical userinterface on said display surface of said second client computer whichby second client user interaction allows selection of a second imagecapture device; display said audio capture device selector in saidgraphical user interface on said display surface of said second clientcomputer which by second client user interaction allows selection of asecond audio capture device; playback said first video file in saidvideo image display area in said graphical user interface on saiddisplay surface of said second client computer; operating said secondimage capture device and said second audio capture device to capture alive stream of a second video and associated audio content of saidsecond client user over a second predetermined period of time, saidfirst and second predetermined periods of time allocated prior tooperation of said first and second image and audio devices, said livestream displayed in said video image capture area displayed in saidgraphical user interface on said display surface of said second clientcomputer; convert said live stream of said second video image andassociated audio content into a second video file; and store said secondvideo file in said server computer as a second asynchronouscommunication between said first client user and said second clientuser.
 3. The computer system of claim 2, wherein said a computer code isfurther executable to: serially order said first video file stored assaid first asynchronous communication and said second video file storedas said second asynchronous communication in ascending synchronous timedrelation; and couple said first video file and said second video file inascending synchronous timed relation to produce a combined video filewhich plays back as a synchronous communication.
 4. The computer systemof claim 3, wherein said a computer code is further executable to:display said graphical user interface on a display surface of said firstclient computer associated with said first client user identifier orsaid second client computer associated with said second clientidentifier; display said video image display area in said graphical userinterface on said display surface of said first client computerassociated with said first client user identifier or said second clientcomputer associated with said second client identifier; playback saidcombined video file in said video image display area in said graphicaluser interface on said display surface of said first client computerassociated with said first client user identifier or said second clientcomputer associated with said second client identifier as a synchronouscommunication.
 5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein said acomputer code is further executable to: display said graphical userinterface on a display surface of a third client computer associatedwith a third client user identifier; display said video image displayarea in said graphical user interface on said display surface of saidthird client computer associated with said third client user identifier;playback said combined video in said video image display area displayedin said graphical user interface on said display surface of said thirdclient computer associated with said third client user identifier. 6.The computer system of claim 4, wherein said a computer code is furtherexecutable to: concurrently display an annotation display area and saidvideo image display area on said display surface of said plurality ofcomputers associated with said plurality of client user identifiers ofsaid client user group; display an annotation field which by client userinteraction allows direct entry of one more annotations into anannotation field; and display an annotation entry icon which by clientuser interaction displays said one or more annotations in saidannotation display area on said display surface.
 7. The computer systemof claim 6, wherein said a computer code is further executable to:display an annotation control icon which by user interaction: pausesdisplay of said combined video image in said video image display area ofsaid graphical user interface on said display surface of said pluralityof computers associated with said plurality of client user identifiersof said client user group to allow entry by client user interaction ofsaid one or more annotations into said annotation field; andsynchronizes said one or more annotations entered into said annotationdisplay area in timed relation to display of said combined video imagein said video image display area at said pause time of said combinedvideo image.
 8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein said a computercode is further executable to: display said combined video image in saidvideo display area in said graphical user interface displayed on saiddisplay surface of said plurality of computers associated with saidplurality of client user identifiers of said client user group; anddisplay said annotations in said annotation display area in synchronizedtimed relation to display of said combined video image in said videoimage display area.
 9. The computer system of claim 3, wherein said acomputer code is further executable to: display a graphical userinterface on a display surface of said first client computer associatedwith said first client user identifier; concurrently display said videoimage display area and said video image capture area in said graphicaluser interface on said display surface of said first client computer;display said video image capture device selector on said display surfaceof said first client computer which by first client user interactionallows selection of said first image capture device; display said audiocapture device selector on said display surface of said first clientcomputer which by first client user interaction allows selection of saidfirst audio capture device; playback said second video file in saidvideo image display area in said graphical user interface on saiddisplay surface of said first client computer; operating said firstimage capture device and said first audio capture device to capture alive stream of a third video image and associated audio content of saidfirst client user, said live stream displayed in said video imagecapture area displayed in said graphical user interface on said displaysurface of said first client computer; convert said live stream of saidthird video image and associated audio content into a third video file;and store said third video file in said server computer as a thirdasynchronous communication between said first client user and saidsecond client user.
 10. A method of asynchronous communication in acomputer system, comprising: depicting a group creation area on adisplay surface of a first client computer which by user interactiongroup identifiers can be entered into said group creation area;concurrently depicting a plurality of client user group areas on saiddisplay surface each identified by one of said group identifiers enteredinto said group creation area; depicting a client user identifier areaseparate from said plurality of client user group area depicted on saiddisplay surface, said client user identifier area including a pluralityof client user identifiers not associated with a client user group area,said plurality of client user identifiers correspondingly associatedwith a plurality of client users; moving each of said plurality ofclient user identifiers from said client user identifier area to one ofsaid plurality of client user group areas concurrently depicted on saiddisplay surface to associate each of said plurality of client useridentifiers within said client user group area with one of a pluralityof client user groups concurrently depicted on said display surface,wherein movement of each of said plurality of client user identifiersfrom said client user identification area removes each of said pluralityof client user identifiers from said client user identifier area,wherein said plurality of client users within a client user group havingaccess to a graphical user interface concurrently depicting a videoimage capture area and video image display area; connecting a pluralityof client computers associated with said plurality of client useridentifiers within each of said plurality of client user groups to aserver computer; interconnecting a first client computer associated witha first client user identifier of a first client user with a secondcomputer associated with a second client user identifier of a secondclient user, said first and second client users within a client usergroup having access to said graphical user interface; displaying agraphical user interface on a display surface of a first client computerassociated with said first client user identifier, said graphical userinterface concurrently displaying a video image display area and a videoimage capture area; operating a first image capture device and a firstaudio capture device associated with said first client computer;capturing a live stream of a first video image and associated audiocontent of said first client user, said live stream displayed in saidvideo image capture area in said graphical user interface displayed onsaid display surface of said first client computer; converting said livestream of said first video image and associated audio content into afirst video file; storing said first video file in said server computer;displaying said graphical user interface on a display surface of saidsecond client computer, said graphical user interface concurrentlydisplaying a video image display area and a video image capture area;playing back said first video file in said video image display area insaid graphical user interface on said display surface of said secondclient computer, thereby providing a first asynchronous videocommunication between said first client user and said second clientuser; operating said second image capture device and said second audiocapture device to capture a live stream of a second video image andassociated audio content of said second client user displayed in saidvideo image capture area displayed in said graphical user interface onsaid display surface of said second client computer, thereby generatinga second asynchronous video communication in response to said firstasynchronous communication; converting said live stream of said secondvideo image and associated audio content into a second video file;storing said first video file in said server computer; coupling saidfirst and second video files in ascending synchronous timed relation togenerate a combined video file capable of playback as one continuousvideo; playing back said combined video file in said video image displayarea in said graphical user interface on said display surface of saidfirst or said second client computer, thereby providing a synchronousvideo communication between said first and said second client user. 11.The method of asynchronous communication in a computer system of claim10, further comprising: concurrently displaying an annotation displayarea and said video image display area in said graphical user interfacedisplayed on said display surface of said first or second clientcomputer; displaying an annotation field which by client userinteraction allows entry of one more annotations into an annotationfield; and displaying an annotation control icon which by client userinteraction displays said one or more annotations in said annotationdisplay area on said display surface.
 12. The method of asynchronouscommunication in a computer system of claim 11, further comprising:pausing display of said combined video image in said video image displayarea by user interaction with said annotation control icon to allowentry by client user interaction of said one or more annotations intosaid annotation field; and synchronizing said one or more annotationsentered into said annotation display area in timed relation to displayof said combined video image in said video image display area at a pausetime of said combined video image.
 13. The method of asynchronouscommunication in a computer system of claim 12, further comprising:playing back said combined video image in said video display area insaid graphical user interface displayed on said display surface of firstor second client computers; and displaying said annotations in saidannotation display area in synchronized timed relation to play back ofsaid combined video image in said video image display area.
 14. Themethod of asynchronous communication in a computer system of claim 13,further comprising: associating each of a plurality of computers withone of a plurality of user identifiers to form a client user group,wherein said client user group includes said first client computerassociated with said first client user identifier of a first client useror said second computer associated with said second client useridentifier of said second client user: displaying said graphical userinterface on a display surface of a third client computer associatedwith a third client user identifier in said client user group;displaying said video image display area in said graphical userinterface on said display surface of said third client computerassociated with said third client user identifier; playing back saidcombined video in said video image display area displayed in saidgraphical user interface on said display surface of said third clientcomputer associated with said third client user identifier.
 15. Themethod of asynchronous communication in a computer system of claim 14,further comprising: concurrently displaying an annotation display areaand said video image display area on said display surface of said thirdclient computer associated with said third client user identifier ofsaid client user group; displaying said annotation field which by clientuser interaction allows entry of one more annotations into an annotationfield; pausing display of said combined video image in said video imagedisplay area by user interaction with said annotation control icon toallow entry by client user interaction of said one or more annotationsinto said annotation field; displaying said one or more annotations insaid annotation display area by client user interaction with saidannotation control icon; and synchronizing said one or more annotationsentered into said annotation display area in timed relation to displayof said combined video image in said video image display area at a pausetime of said combined video image.
 16. The method of asynchronouscommunication in a computer system of claim 15, further comprising:playing back said combined video image in said video display area insaid graphical user interface displayed on said display surface of oneor more of said plurality of computers having one of said plurality ofuser identifiers in said client user group; and displaying saidannotations in said annotation display area in synchronized timedrelation to play back of said combined video image in said video imagedisplay area.
 17. The method of asynchronous communication in a computersystem of claim 16, further comprising: displaying a video image capturedevice selector in said graphical user interface displayed on saiddisplay surface of said first client computer and said second clientcomputer which by first or second client user interaction respectivelyallows selection of said first image capture device or said second imagecapture device; and displaying an audio capture device selector in saidgraphical user interface displayed on said display surface of said firstclient computer and said second client computer which by first or secondclient user interaction respectively allows selection of said firstaudio capture device or said second audio capture device.
 18. A computersystem, comprising: a server computer having a server memory; a firstclient computer and a second client computer each connected to saidserver computer; a first video image capture device coupled to saidfirst client computer, said first video image capture device configuredto capture a live stream of an image of a first client user; a firstaudio capture device coupled to said first client computer, said firstaudio capture device configured to capture audio content associated withsaid live stream of said image of said first client user; a second videoimage capture device coupled to said second client computer, said secondvideo image capture device configured to capture a live stream of animage of a second client user; a second audio capture device coupled tosaid second client computer, said second audio capture device configuredto capture audio content associated with said live stream of said imageof said second client user; and a computer code served by said servercomputer to said first computer to implement a graphical user interfacewhich displays: a group creation area on a display surface of a firstclient computer which by user interaction group identifiers can beentered into said group creation area; a plurality of client user groupareas concurrently on said display surface each identified by one ofsaid group identifiers entered into said group creation area; a clientuser identifier area separate from said plurality of client user grouparea depicted on said display surface, said client user identifier areaincluding a plurality of client user identifiers not associated with aclient user group area, said plurality of client user identifierscorrespondingly associated with a plurality of client users; a cursorwhich by user interaction moves each of said plurality of client useridentifiers from said client user identifier area to one of saidplurality of client user group areas concurrently depicted on saiddisplay surface to associate each of said plurality of client useridentifiers within said client user group area with one of a pluralityof client user groups concurrently depicted on said display surface,wherein movement of each of said plurality of client user identifiersfrom said client user identifier area removes each of said plurality ofclient user identifiers from said client user identifier area, whereinsaid plurality of client users within said client user group havingaccess to said graphical user interface which concurrently displays avideo image capture area and video image display area in said graphicaluser interface on said display surface of said first and second clientcomputers.
 19. The computer system of claim 18, wherein said video imagecapture area of said first computer displays said live stream of saidimage of a first client user and records said associated audio content,said live stream of said image and said associated audio content of saidfirst client user saved as a first video file in a server memory elementof said computer server.
 20. The computer system of claim 19, whereinsaid first video file plays back in said video image display areaassociated with said second client computer as a first asynchronousvideo communication, said video image capture area of said second clientcomputer subsequently displays said image of said second client usercorrespondingly captured by said second image capture device as saidsecond client user responds to said first asynchronous videocommunication, said image and said associated audio content of saidsecond client user saved as a second video file in a memory element ofsaid computer server.
 21. The computer system of claim 20, wherein saidsecond video file plays back in said video image display area associatedwith said first client computer as a second asynchronous videocommunication, said video image capture area of said first clientcomputer subsequently displays said image of said first client usercorrespondingly captured by said second image capture device as saidfirst client user responds to said second asynchronous videocommunication, said image and said associated audio content of saidfirst client user saved as a third video file in a memory element ofsaid computer server.
 22. The computer system of claim 21, wherein saidcomputer code further comprises an asynchronous video communicationintegrator which functions to generate a combined video comprising saidfirst video, said second video, and said third video, said combinedvideo plays back in said video image display area as one continuoussynchronous video communication.